Queen Elizabeth to Dock Near Queen Mary

The Queen Mary will receive her sea-going “niece”, February 5, 2015. This will mark the first time a modern Cunard liner will dock and disembark passengers in the Long Beach harbor. The QE is today one of the world’s most advanced passenger vessels and is currently on a global cruise. The original Queen Elizabeth was the sister-ship to Queen Mary and together made over 2,000 trans-Atlantic voyages when in active service for Cunard.

“The Elizabeth will berth adjacent to the Queen Mary and her arrival will begin a day-long series of events and activities to celebrate the unprecedented meeting of ships. Admission to the Queen Mary will be complimentary that day from 10am to 8pm. Public guests are encouraged to come aboard and take advantage of special tours, discounted attractions, and live entertainment” said Queen Mary General Manager, John Jenkins. The Elizabeth is expected to dock early February 5th and will depart the same day at sunset. There will be no public access to the Queen Elizabeth.

Prior visits by Cunard vessels to Long Beach have been restricted to floating salutes where the modern ships hovered in place while honoring their ancestor. The February 5 visit will see the Queen Elizabeth dock adjacent to the Queen Mary – a first for Long Beach, Cunard and the sea-going royal relatives.

SHIP MODEL GALLERY DEDICATION: FEBRUARY 5

Enhancing the Queen Elizabeth’s visit, and in recognition of the Queen Mary’s 80 years of public life, a new Ship Model Gallery will be dedicated on the Queen Mary at 11:00 AM during a private reception. Located on the Promenade Deck, the model gallery will house many important ship models and is the first phase of the Queen Mary’s announced plans to create a world-class maritime museum and learning center aboard the ship.

“Having the Queen Elizabeth on-hand for the Gallery dedication makes the day even more special,” Jenkins.

Included in the Gallery will be priceless large models of some of the world’s greatest ships; Titanic, Lusitania, Brittania, Oregon, Normandie along with Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth 2, Queen Mary 2… and the spectacular Queen Mary. “The gallery will debut these impressive ship models – with others on the way. Its centerpiece will be the original Bassett-Lowke shipbuilder’s model of the Queen Mary – a spectacular and historically significant model measuring over 20 feet in length and exact in every detail,” Jenkins added. The model museum will open to the public at 12:30pm and will be free of charge.

Other public offerings include limited engagement attractions: Vintage Double Decker Bus Tours ($15), Tea with Diana ($39.95 Adult, $29.95 Child) and Captain’s Art Tour ($12). The public is also encouraged to take advantage of discounted pricing on regular attractions such as Haunted Attractions ($10) and Diana: Legacy of a Princess ($9.95). Tickets and information can be found online and at Passenger Information onboard the Queen Mary.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

10:00 AM The Queen Mary Opens to All

11:00 AM Private Queen Mary Model Room Dedication: Promenade Deck

12:30 PM Ship Model Gallery Opens to Public

6:00 – 7:00 PM Queen Elizabeth Pushes off

The public is encouraged to gather on the Queen Mary’s stern for a bagpipe salute, brief address to the crowd by Queen Mary Commodore, Everette Hoard and spectacular fireworks display.